ECCouncil 312-49 Exam Dumps & Practice Test Questions
Question 1:
When performing a forensic examination on hard drives to extract digital evidence, which type of user is most likely to have the highest amount of file slack to analyze?
A. A user with NTFS partitions of version 4 or 5
B. A user who makes use of dynamic swap file functionality
C. A user who writes to the hard disk on IRQ 13 and 21
D. A user with a large number of allocation units per block or cluster
Answer: D
Explanation:
File slack, in a forensic context, refers to the unused space within a disk cluster or block that exists when a file doesn't fully occupy the last cluster or block allocated to it. This leftover space is significant because it can contain remnants of previous data or deleted files, which could serve as valuable evidence in forensic examinations.
Breakdown of the Options:
A. A user with NTFS partitions of version 4 or 5
Incorrect. The NTFS file system (version 4 or 5) doesn’t directly relate to the amount of file slack. File slack is more dependent on how much data a user writes and how the file system allocates disk space rather than the version of NTFS being used. NTFS does include metadata that helps track files and their clusters, but the version alone doesn't increase the slack space in a predictable way.
Why it’s incorrect: NTFS versions 4 and 5 will not inherently increase the amount of file slack on a disk. The file slack would depend on how the files are allocated and their sizes, not the version of NTFS.
B. A user who makes use of dynamic swap file functionality
Incorrect. A swap file is a system file used by the operating system to manage virtual memory, and while it may lead to some fragmentation, it doesn't typically cause significant file slack. The amount of file slack is more related to how the user’s files are stored and their allocation.
Why it’s incorrect: While swap files may be fragmented, they don’t tend to generate large amounts of slack space. Swap files are managed by the operating system, and their space usage is not typically associated with file slack in user files.
C. A user who writes to the hard disk on IRQ 13 and 21
Incorrect. IRQ (Interrupt Request) 13 and 21 are hardware interrupt requests used by devices for communication with the processor. IRQs themselves don't determine file slack; rather, they manage how hardware resources interact with the system. Writing to the disk based on specific IRQs doesn't directly influence file slack.
Why it’s incorrect: IRQs relate to hardware communication, and there's no direct link between specific IRQs and the creation of file slack.
D. A user with a large number of allocation units per block or cluster
Correct answer. When a user has a large number of allocation units per block or cluster, the potential for file slack increases. This is because, with larger allocation units, files that don’t fully occupy the allocated space in the final cluster will leave more unused space (slack). If the system uses large clusters and the files are smaller than a full cluster, this wasted space can contain residual data from previous files, which could be valuable for forensic analysis.
Why it’s correct: Larger allocation units mean more space may be left unused in the last block or cluster, creating more file slack. This slack could contain remnants of previously deleted data, making it an important area for forensic investigators to examine.
The most likely scenario where a forensic examiner would encounter the highest amount of file slack is D, where a user with large allocation units per block or cluster would create more unused space in clusters, which could then be analyzed for residual data.
Question 2:
How do evidence-handling procedures differ between criminal and civil cases?
A. Evidence handling procedures are identical for both types of cases
B. The importance of evidence procedures only applies to law enforcement professionals
C. Evidence in criminal cases requires stricter security compared to civil cases
D. Evidence in civil cases needs to be secured more strictly than in criminal cases
Answer: C
Explanation:
Evidence-handling procedures are critical in both criminal and civil cases, but they do differ in terms of security and handling due to the nature of the legal proceedings and the consequences of the case. Let’s break down the options:
Breakdown of the Options:
A. Evidence handling procedures are identical for both types of cases
Incorrect. While there are similarities in the general principles of evidence handling, the procedures for handling evidence can differ between criminal and civil cases. This is because criminal cases often have more stringent requirements due to the potential for more severe penalties, such as imprisonment. Civil cases, on the other hand, typically involve monetary compensation or other non-criminal remedies, which can lead to different handling procedures.
Why it’s incorrect: Evidence-handling procedures differ due to the varying consequences and legal requirements in criminal and civil cases.
B. The importance of evidence procedures only applies to law enforcement professionals
Incorrect. While law enforcement professionals are heavily involved in criminal cases, evidence handling is equally important in civil cases. Legal professionals, such as lawyers, paralegals, and civil litigators, also have a responsibility to ensure evidence is properly handled in civil cases. Evidence can significantly impact the outcome in both types of cases, so proper handling is crucial across the board.
Why it’s incorrect: Evidence handling is important in both criminal and civil cases, and not just for law enforcement professionals.
C. Evidence in criminal cases requires stricter security compared to civil cases
Correct answer. Evidence in criminal cases is subject to more stringent security measures than in civil cases. This is due to the potential consequences of criminal convictions, such as imprisonment. The chain of custody, which ensures the evidence remains untampered with, is especially important in criminal cases to avoid challenges to the evidence in court. Additionally, the security of evidence in criminal cases is crucial to prevent tampering or contamination that could jeopardize the integrity of the investigation and the trial.
Why it’s correct: The stakes in criminal cases are higher, involving the potential for imprisonment or more severe penalties, which necessitates stricter security protocols for evidence handling.
D. Evidence in civil cases needs to be secured more strictly than in criminal cases
Incorrect. While evidence in civil cases must be handled properly, it is generally not subject to the same level of strict security as evidence in criminal cases. Civil cases typically do not involve the same risk of losing liberty or facing criminal sanctions, so while evidence handling is important, the security measures are usually less stringent compared to criminal cases.
Why it’s incorrect: Civil cases typically don’t require the same level of strict security as criminal cases, as the consequences of tampered or mishandled evidence are generally less severe.
In criminal cases, the evidence often requires stricter security because of the potential for significant penalties, such as imprisonment. Therefore, C is the correct answer. Evidence-handling procedures in criminal cases are more stringent due to the gravity of the potential legal outcomes, whereas civil cases generally involve lower stakes in terms of personal liberty.
Question 3:
While working in a forensic lab on a significant criminal investigation, your superior is worried that the defense might challenge whether the evidence has been tampered with while in your lab. What action can you take to demonstrate that the evidence is unchanged since its arrival?
A. Compute the MD5 hash of the evidence and compare it with the hash taken when the evidence was initially entered
B. Compute the MD5 hash of the evidence and match it against a standard hash database provided by NIST
C. Ignore the concern since state labs are certified
D. Sign a declaration confirming that the evidence has not been altered during its time in the lab
Answer: A
Explanation:
In forensic investigations, maintaining the integrity of evidence is crucial. One of the primary ways to demonstrate that evidence has not been altered or tampered with during its time in the lab is through the use of cryptographic hash functions. These functions generate a unique value (the hash) based on the contents of the evidence. If the evidence is unchanged, its hash value will remain the same throughout its handling. If the contents are altered in any way, the hash value will change, making it immediately obvious.
Breakdown of the Options:
A. Compute the MD5 hash of the evidence and compare it with the hash taken when the evidence was initially entered
Correct answer. This is the most appropriate action to take. When evidence first enters the lab, an MD5 hash (or another cryptographic hash like SHA-256) should be computed and recorded. If the hash computed later in the process matches the original hash, it indicates that the evidence has not been altered. This provides a verifiable and mathematically sound way to demonstrate that the evidence has not been tampered with.
Why it’s correct: The MD5 hash provides a reliable and commonly used method of proving the integrity of evidence. The comparison of hashes allows the lab to demonstrate that the evidence remains unchanged from the moment it was entered into the lab to the present.
B. Compute the MD5 hash of the evidence and match it against a standard hash database provided by NIST
Incorrect. While MD5 hashes can help verify the integrity of evidence, they are typically not matched against a public database like the one from NIST. Instead, the key comparison is between the current hash and the hash recorded at the time the evidence was first acquired. The NIST hash database is used for known files and data, but it is not applicable for comparing forensic evidence in this context.
Why it’s incorrect: The purpose of hashing in forensic investigations is to compare hashes of the same evidence before and after handling, not to match against a standard database.
C. Ignore the concern since state labs are certified
Incorrect. Certification does not eliminate the need for proper handling and documentation of evidence integrity. Even if a lab is certified, it is still essential to follow best practices to avoid challenges in court. Defense teams may still argue that evidence has been tampered with, and the lab must have procedures in place to defend against these claims.
Why it’s incorrect: Certification ensures quality standards but does not negate the need for proper forensic procedures like hash verification to demonstrate evidence integrity.
D. Sign a declaration confirming that the evidence has not been altered during its time in the lab
Incorrect. While a declaration from the forensic expert might be useful, it is not sufficient to prove the evidence's integrity. The defense may challenge the declaration, so relying on a signed document alone is not an objective or verifiable method of ensuring that the evidence has remained unchanged. A cryptographic hash provides a solid, verifiable method of proving evidence integrity.
Why it’s incorrect: Signing a declaration is not a sufficient or objective way to demonstrate the integrity of evidence. It is better to use cryptographic methods like hashing to provide irrefutable proof.
The best action is to compute the MD5 hash of the evidence and compare it with the hash taken when the evidence was initially entered. This ensures that the evidence remains unchanged, providing a concrete and verifiable method to prove its integrity. Therefore, A is the correct answer.
Question 4:
Given the following log entries, which firewall rule would be best to prevent these types of attacks?
Apr 24 14:46:46 [4663]: spp_portscan: portscan detected from 194.222.156.169
Apr 24 14:46:46 [4663]: IDS27/FIN Scan: 194.222.156.169:56693 -> 172.16.1.107:482
Apr 24 18:01:05 [4663]: IDS/DNS-version-query: 212.244.97.121:3485 -> 172.16.1.107:53
A. Block incoming UDP port 53 from external sources to the DNS server
B. Allow UDP port 53 from the DNS server to external destinations
C. Block TCP port 53 from secondary or ISP DNS servers to the local DNS server
D. Deny all UDP traffic
Answer: A
Explanation:
These log entries highlight different types of attacks, including port scanning and DNS version query attempts. Let's break down each of the log entries to determine the best firewall rule.
Log Entries Breakdown:
Port scan detected from 194.222.156.169:
This entry indicates that a port scanning attempt has been made from an external IP address (194.222.156.169). Port scans are often used by attackers to identify open ports on a target system, which can then be exploited.FIN Scan on port 482:
The FIN scan is another technique used in port scanning. In this case, the scan was directed to the internal IP address 172.16.1.107, targeting port 482. A FIN scan tries to confuse the target system into responding with an error or ignoring the scan, which can sometimes evade firewalls or intrusion detection systems (IDS).DNS version query to port 53:
This entry indicates an attempt to query the DNS version from the DNS server on 172.16.1.107. The goal here is often to gather information about the DNS server’s software, which can be used in further attacks. DNS version queries can help attackers identify vulnerabilities based on the DNS software version in use.
Rule Analysis:
A. Block incoming UDP port 53 from external sources to the DNS server:
This rule would block any external IP address from sending DNS queries to the DNS server on port 53. Since the log entry shows a DNS version query from an external IP (212.244.97.121), blocking incoming UDP traffic on port 53 from external sources is a good way to prevent such information-gathering attacks. DNS queries from unauthorized external sources should be blocked to prevent these types of attacks.B. Allow UDP port 53 from the DNS server to external destinations:
This rule would allow outgoing DNS requests from the DNS server. However, the log entries show attacks targeting the DNS server, not requests from the DNS server, so this rule would not address the issue of external attacks on the DNS server.C. Block TCP port 53 from secondary or ISP DNS servers to the local DNS server:
Blocking TCP port 53 might make sense for controlling communication between DNS servers. However, the log entries specifically show UDP-based DNS queries, not TCP, so this rule would not effectively prevent the attacks seen in the logs.D. Deny all UDP traffic:
Denying all UDP traffic would be an overly broad and extreme approach. It would block all legitimate UDP traffic, including DNS queries, which are necessary for normal network operations. This rule would cause significant disruptions and is not a targeted solution to the issue presented in the logs.
The most effective rule to prevent these types of attacks is A. Block incoming UDP port 53 from external sources to the DNS server. This would block unauthorized external sources from querying the DNS server, addressing the DNS version query attempt and helping to prevent further reconnaissance and attacks against the DNS infrastructure.
Question 5:
To monitor and correlate security incidents across multiple computers, it’s crucial that all systems have synchronized clocks. Why is this so important?
A. To track system performance across multiple devices
B. To accurately reconstruct the sequence of events during an attack
C. To ensure accurate data backups
D. To maintain consistent time zones across the network
Answer: B
Explanation:
In any security monitoring or forensic investigation, the ability to accurately track and correlate events is critical for understanding what happened, when it happened, and how the attack unfolded. Synchronizing clocks across systems plays a key role in ensuring this ability. Let’s break down the options:
Why is time synchronization important for security monitoring?
A. To track system performance across multiple devices:
While synchronized clocks might help in analyzing system performance, they are not specifically critical for tracking performance. Performance metrics (e.g., CPU usage, memory usage) can be compared across devices without synchronized clocks, although it can be more difficult to analyze data in a coordinated way. Time synchronization is much more important for event correlation, which goes beyond performance analysis.B. To accurately reconstruct the sequence of events during an attack:
This is the correct reason. When systems are under attack, logs are generated across multiple devices (servers, firewalls, workstations, etc.). If each system has an unsynchronized clock, it becomes very difficult to determine the exact timeline of events or how they relate to each other. By ensuring that all systems have synchronized clocks (typically using a protocol like NTP—Network Time Protocol), investigators can correlate logs from different systems and accurately reconstruct the sequence of events. This is crucial in understanding how the attack unfolded and identifying the responsible actions and timelines.C. To ensure accurate data backups:
While time synchronization is important for data backups, especially for ensuring that incremental backups are performed correctly, it is not the primary reason why synchronized clocks are necessary for security incident monitoring. Backup systems may still function without synchronized clocks, although discrepancies in timestamps could make it more difficult to manage or track backups across multiple systems.D. To maintain consistent time zones across the network:
While having consistent time zones is important for user clarity and system management, it is not the core reason for synchronizing clocks. Time zone settings help with readability of timestamps (e.g., displaying local time), but they do not address the underlying need for accurate event correlation during security investigations. Time synchronization is about ensuring the same time is reflected on all systems, not about managing time zones across networks.
The key reason for synchronizing clocks across systems in a security context is to accurately reconstruct the sequence of events during an attack. With synchronized time, analysts can easily correlate logs from different systems and understand the exact timeline of actions, which is essential for identifying the full scope of the attack, its origin, and its impact.
Question 6:
What is the name of the protocol used to synchronize the clocks of computers on a network to ensure that their time is consistent?
A. Global Time Protocol
B. Network Time Protocol (NTP)
C. Time Synchronization Service
D. Internet Time Protocol
Answer: B
Explanation:
The protocol used to synchronize the clocks of computers on a network to ensure their time remains consistent is the Network Time Protocol (NTP). Here's a breakdown of why this is the correct answer:
A. Global Time Protocol
There is no widely recognized protocol named "Global Time Protocol." The most commonly used and recognized protocol for time synchronization in computer networks is Network Time Protocol (NTP), so this option is incorrect.B. Network Time Protocol (NTP)
Network Time Protocol (NTP) is the correct protocol for synchronizing time across systems on a network. NTP uses a hierarchical system of time sources to ensure accurate time synchronization across the internet and local networks. It is specifically designed to correct any time discrepancies between devices and ensure all systems maintain a consistent time, often down to milliseconds, which is essential for things like logging events, coordinating transactions, and ensuring security (especially for activities like timestamping and cryptographic operations). NTP is widely used in both public and private networks.C. Time Synchronization Service
While "Time Synchronization Service" could refer to a feature or service that handles time synchronization, it is not the official name of a protocol. There is no formal protocol called "Time Synchronization Service," so this is not the correct answer.D. Internet Time Protocol
The Internet Time Protocol (ITP) is not the widely accepted standard for time synchronization. The term "Internet Time" has been used in some contexts (like the "Swatch Internet Time"), but this is a different, outdated concept that doesn't apply to formal time synchronization in networks. NTP is the correct and widely adopted protocol for this purpose.
The Network Time Protocol (NTP) is the protocol used to synchronize clocks across computers and networks, ensuring consistent time for processes, logs, and security operations. This is the most accurate and standard protocol in use for time synchronization today.
Question 7:
When investigating an email-related crime, which of the following is the first course of action?
A. Trace the IP address of the sender
B. Draft a detailed report
C. Confirm whether a criminal act has occurred
D. Recover the digital evidence
Answer: C
Explanation:
When investigating an email-related crime, the first thing investigators need to do is to confirm whether a criminal act has occurred. This step is critical because it sets the direction for the investigation and determines whether further action is necessary. Let’s break down why this is the most appropriate first course of action:
Step 1: Confirm whether a criminal act has occurred
Before any investigative steps or technical actions are taken, it's crucial to understand if a crime has indeed been committed. This step involves assessing the situation, understanding the nature of the email, and determining if it meets the criteria for a criminal act (e.g., fraud, harassment, identity theft, phishing, etc.). Without confirming this first, any subsequent steps might be unnecessary or could lead the investigation down the wrong path. Once it is confirmed that a crime has occurred, the investigation can proceed with specific objectives in mind.
Why the other options are not the first course of action:
A. Trace the IP address of the sender
While tracing the IP address may be an important part of the investigation later on, it is not the first step. If you trace the IP before confirming that a crime has been committed, you might be acting on something that doesn’t warrant investigation. It is important to first determine whether there is criminal intent behind the email.
B. Draft a detailed report
Drafting a report should be done at the end of an investigation when you have gathered sufficient evidence. The report should summarize findings, actions taken, and the final conclusion of the investigation. Drafting a report prematurely would be counterproductive since you wouldn't yet have the full picture or evidence to document.
D. Recover the digital evidence
Recovering evidence is an important step, but it should occur after confirming that a crime has been committed. If you start recovering evidence without confirming that there is a legitimate investigation, you risk collecting evidence that may not even be relevant or admissible.
The first course of action when investigating an email-related crime is to confirm whether a criminal act has occurred. This will ensure that the investigation is justified and help determine the appropriate next steps. After confirming the crime, investigators can then proceed with other tasks such as tracing the sender's IP address, recovering evidence, and drafting reports.
Question 8:
In digital forensics, which of the following is crucial to ensuring the integrity of the evidence collected from a crime scene?
A. Regularly updating the software used in the investigation
B. Maintaining a clear and documented chain of custody
C. Immediately notifying the media about the evidence
D. Using encryption to protect the evidence
Answer: B
Explanation:
In digital forensics, the most crucial factor in ensuring the integrity of the evidence is maintaining a clear and documented chain of custody. Here’s why this is the right answer:
Chain of Custody
The chain of custody refers to the documentation and tracking of evidence from the moment it is collected until it is presented in court. This process ensures that the evidence has not been tampered with, altered, or mishandled. The integrity of digital evidence relies heavily on the chain of custody, as any breaks, gaps, or lack of documentation in this chain can render the evidence inadmissible in court or open to challenges.
When investigating crimes, particularly in digital forensics, it's critical to document who handled the evidence, when, and where it was stored, and what steps were taken to preserve its integrity. Any deviation from this process could lead to questions about the authenticity of the evidence, potentially compromising the case.
Why the other options are not as crucial:
A. Regularly updating the software used in the investigation
While keeping investigative software up to date is important for security and functionality, it is not as critical as maintaining the chain of custody when it comes to preserving evidence integrity. Updates or changes in software versions can introduce risks that may inadvertently alter the evidence. The chain of custody, however, is the legal and procedural safeguard that ensures the evidence remains intact throughout the investigative process.C. Immediately notifying the media about the evidence
This is not only unnecessary, but it is also potentially harmful. In fact, publicly disclosing details of an investigation or evidence could compromise the integrity of the investigation and violate privacy laws. The media should only be notified when appropriate by authorized individuals, typically after the investigation has concluded and any legal requirements have been met.D. Using encryption to protect the evidence
While encryption can be a useful tool for protecting the confidentiality of evidence, it does not directly address the integrity of the evidence. The purpose of encryption is to secure data, ensuring that unauthorized parties cannot access or read it. However, the integrity of the evidence in a legal context is primarily protected through the chain of custody and proper handling procedures.
The key factor in ensuring the integrity of digital evidence collected from a crime scene is maintaining a clear and documented chain of custody. This ensures that the evidence can be proven to be unaltered and valid throughout the investigation and legal proceedings.
Question 9:
Which of the following best describes the role of a forensic investigator in the context of digital crime?
A. To oversee the trial process
B. To provide expert testimony regarding the digital evidence
C. To interrogate suspects in the case
D. To destroy compromised digital evidence once analyzed
Answer: B
Explanation:
The role of a forensic investigator in the context of digital crime primarily revolves around collecting, analyzing, and preserving digital evidence, while also providing expert testimony to explain the findings in legal proceedings. Here's why B is the correct answer and why the other options are incorrect:
B. Provide expert testimony regarding the digital evidence
One of the key responsibilities of a forensic investigator is to serve as an expert witness in legal proceedings. This role involves:
Testifying in court about the findings of the investigation, including how the digital evidence was handled, analyzed, and preserved.
Explaining complex digital evidence in a way that is understandable to the judge and jury, who may not have a technical background.
Clarifying the significance of the evidence and how it relates to the crime being investigated.
The forensic investigator's testimony is often crucial in ensuring that the evidence is admissible in court, and their credibility is vital in establishing the integrity of the investigation.
Why the other options are incorrect:
A. To oversee the trial process
The forensic investigator does not oversee the trial process. The trial process is managed by legal professionals such as lawyers, judges, and juries. The role of the forensic investigator is to provide technical expertise in the form of evidence collection and analysis, not to manage or oversee the legal proceedings.C. To interrogate suspects in the case
Forensic investigators are not responsible for interrogating suspects. Interrogation is typically the responsibility of law enforcement officers, such as detectives or police investigators, who are trained to handle suspects. The forensic investigator's role is focused on the technical aspects of the investigation, such as recovering and analyzing digital evidence.D. To destroy compromised digital evidence once analyzed
The forensic investigator should never destroy evidence, even if it appears to be compromised. In fact, part of their responsibility is to preserve evidence in its original form, to ensure that it can be used in court. Destruction of evidence is a violation of legal and ethical standards. If evidence is compromised, the investigator must document the issue, but they must maintain the evidence for legal scrutiny and possible further analysis.
The primary responsibility of a forensic investigator in the context of digital crime is to provide expert testimony regarding the digital evidence they have collected and analyzed. They play a critical role in ensuring that the evidence is handled properly, explained clearly, and can withstand legal challenges in court.
Question 10:
When conducting a forensic investigation on a compromised server, what is the most important step to take immediately after securing the scene?
A. Power off the server to prevent further damage
B. Create a bit-for-bit copy of the server’s hard drive for analysis
C. Restore the server’s previous backup
D. Inform the public about the breach to prevent panic
Answer: B
Explanation:
The most important step immediately after securing the scene in a forensic investigation is to create a bit-for-bit copy of the server’s hard drive for analysis. Here's why B is the correct answer and why the other options are not ideal:
B. Create a bit-for-bit copy of the server’s hard drive for analysis
In a forensic investigation, preservation of the original evidence is paramount. After securing the scene, the first critical step is to make a forensic copy of the compromised server's hard drive, often referred to as a bit-for-bit image. This process involves creating an exact replica of the original hard drive, including all data, files, system files, deleted files, and unallocated space.
This is crucial for several reasons:
Integrity of evidence: Creating a copy ensures that the original data is not tampered with or altered during the investigation. It preserves the evidence in its original state.
Non-destructive analysis: Investigators can work with the copy to analyze the server's contents without risking further modification of the original data.
Future verification: A bit-for-bit copy can be used to verify the authenticity of the data and ensure that the analysis was conducted correctly.
The forensic copy can be used for various analyses, such as data recovery, identifying malicious files, examining system logs, and identifying evidence of the compromise.
Why the other options are incorrect:
A. Power off the server to prevent further damage
While it is important to secure the scene, powering off the server is not always the best immediate action. In some cases, leaving the server powered on can provide valuable evidence (such as active processes or network connections). In fact, powering off the server could result in the loss of volatile data, such as RAM contents or open network connections that might be vital for the investigation. The best approach is to isolate the server from the network and avoid making any changes to its state unless absolutely necessary.C. Restore the server’s previous backup
Restoring a backup can be important at a later stage, especially if the goal is to recover the system and get it operational again. However, restoring a backup immediately is counterproductive in a forensic investigation, as it can overwrite crucial evidence on the server. The focus should be on preserving the current state of the compromised system before any recovery steps are taken.D. Inform the public about the breach to prevent panic
While informing the public or stakeholders about the breach is important, especially from a legal and organizational standpoint, it should not be the immediate priority during the initial forensic investigation. The immediate priority is to secure and preserve evidence. Public notifications about the breach should come after the investigation has been started and initial analysis has been done, ensuring that critical evidence is not compromised.
The most important step in a forensic investigation is to create a bit-for-bit copy of the server’s hard drive for analysis. This ensures the integrity of the original evidence, preserves all potential data, and allows for further analysis without altering the original server's state. The other actions, while important, should follow after this essential first step.
